Police handed emergency powers after incident in Millbrook

The emergency powers, which will run from 4pm on Saturday until 4pm on Sunday, have been implemented after an issue involving a group of youths in Windermere Avenue.

It comes after a group of youths armed with weapons damaged a home and threatened the occupants.

A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of possessing a bladed article in a public place and possessing a class B substance. He was later released on bail.

As reported in the Daily Echo a similar incident occurred at Windermere Avenue at the end of last month.

Police on patrol in Millbrook. Picture: Soton Cops.

The extra stop and search powers are available under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

A police spokesperson said: "Section 60 can be implemented in areas where either serious violence has occurred or police believe serious violence is about to occur.

"It gives officers the power to stop and search anyone in a designated location, without the restrictions of normal stop and search.

"Officers will be carrying out patrols across the area and will be able to stop and search anyone while the powers are in use."

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Temporary Inspector Andy Thomas added: "These are emergency powers and the threshold to implement them is very high, however we are using them to keep our communities safe.

“This is not a long term solution to violent disorder, but this allows us to use all the powers at our disposal to respond to immediate concerns raised by the community.

"We know some people think telling you about the Section 60 inhibits our ability to catch those responsible, however it is just as important that we prevent incidents of serious violence occurring.

"We will deal with those offenders, but we also want to prevent them from committing crime in the first place.

“If you are in the area and have any concerns, you can speak to any of our officers who will be on patrol throughout this evening and tomorrow.”

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